Self Defense Blog

Jan 30, State Law Upgraded from Castle Doctrine

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:33:48 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Last summer Pennsylvania upgraded its state law formerly known as the Castle Doctrine to include a “stand your ground doctrine” The implications are that if you are facing attack with a deadly weapon and possess a permitted firearm, you are allowed to shoot under certain criteria without first trying to retreat whether you are in your home or not.

Because of this a Reading man will not be charged for shooting two teenage hoodlums, one fatally (yes, I said hoodlums) when they threw him off his bike and attempted to rob him.

When using a gun in self defense one must consider the potential for “collateral damage”, meaning shooting innocent bystanders. That’s a lot to think about while you’re trying to defend yourself! After the incident the defender must call “9-1-1” to report details and put the gun down near by- careful not to disturb the scene. I’m pretty sure you don’t want to be still holding the gun when the police arrive.

Click here to read more about self defense laws

Jan 24, Girl Saves Herself from Abductor

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:49:07 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Gotta love this story: CBS News.com
This young lady was abducted- usually it ends badly here-but she marched right in the store ahead of the kidnapper and called 911. No self esteem problem here. Her folks must have ingrained her behavior early. Perhaps a lesson for all of us parents. I can hardly imagine her mom’s relief to see her again.

If you would like to learn more about preventing kidnapping click here.
Again, Kudos Ma’am!

Jan 24, Woman vs. Moose

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:19:05 GMT

By Su Ericksen

This is a great story! An 85 year old 97 pound woman beats moose off her husband with a shovel. Talk about improvised weapons used to defend your family from wild animals.

She wasn’t thinking about her age or size, she just went into survival mode and did what needed to be done. You may read it here (another window will open) CBS News.com

Kudos ma’am!

Jan 20, Insulin Used as Date Rape Drug

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:50:35 GMT

By Su Ericksen

From CBSNews.com. A diabetic man uses his insulin to subdue date and rape her and leave her to suffer and possibly die. Fortunately her roommate finally finds her and gets her medical help before it was too late.

So now insulin is a Date Rape drug! I‘ll have to update this page now- how sad! How evil. Something new for us gals to watch out for. Put it on your radar.

To read this story click here , other window will open for you!

Jan 16, Target Focus Training can be an Effective Method for Women's Self Defense.

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:57:53 GMT

The object of target focus training is to render the aggressor non-functional.

Jan 9, Wushu the Martial Art From China That Jet Li Practices

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:18:27 GMT

Jet Li was Wushu world champion several times. It is the most popular national sport in China.

Jan 8, Psychic Self Defense - You can Develop It.

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:47:55 GMT

As mysterious as psychic self defense sounds, it is an intuition skill we all can hone and polish once we understand it.

Jan 7, Bullying Can be aThreat and Self Defense Can Help!

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:00:18 GMT

Bullying has become deadly and some self defense skills, mental as well as physical, can be a valuable asset in the battle against bullying

Jan 4, Is Wasp Spray an Effective Self Defense Weapon for Women?

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:21:20 GMT

Should Wasp Spray be used instead of pepper spray in a self defense situation?

Jan 4, Self Defense Laws and Your Rights

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:44:40 GMT

How do self defense laws apply to you and what are your rights when using force in self defense?

Dec 14, Domestic Violence in the U.S.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:58:28 GMT

By Su Ericksen

I saw this blurb of disturbing facts from CBS News.com: A survey by the U.S. government indicates that one in four women are victims of domestic violence. WOW! So if you are not a victim you probably know at least one.

The same survey says that one in five U.S. women have been raped. Shocking! And we’re supposed to be so “modern” here in the states.

To read this story in a new window click here.

To help yourself not become a statistic please peruse this website. Learn how to read the red flags of domestic violence so you can recognize a dangerous relationship before it’s too late.

Nov 7, Date Rape Drug Death

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:49:08 GMT

By Su Ericksen Here is a prime example of the ultimate dangers of date rape drugs. The young woman in this news report was a careful gal. She didn’t drink much alcohol when she went out and left with someone she had met before.

It isn’t clear why the authorities do not have any suspects, but ladies, please don’t let your guard down. The creeps are everywhere. My heart goes out to her family, but perhaps their making her death public we can learn from this. Don’t party without a buddy (hopefully an over-protective one) and don’t go home with anyone you don’t know well- real well!

Oct 26, Rapist Targets Sorority Alumnae

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:39:28 GMT

By Su Ericksen

A recent story from CBSNews.com, which you can read here emphasizes the importance of not sharing too much personal information publicly. Who would have thought that listing your old college sorority could get you assaulted?

I’m not sure what this guy had against that particular group of women, but he must have taken the time and resources (such as FaceBook) to locate these middle age women. Four were raped in their own homes in three different cities near Dallas. The perpetrator apparently knew other personal information about them as well- such as the fact that they were alone when he assaulted them.

So one of the take-aways here would be to beware of cyberstalking. I would venture a guess that this creep got most of his recent correct info online.

Oct 22, Mini Survival Kits

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 15:35:05 GMT

By Su Ericksen This mini container will fit in your pocket or purse, glove box or backpack. It can come in handy for non-emergent situations also. Its a mean ol' world out there getting meaner and less predictable- not just socially, but weather wise also!

I'll credit the boy scouts motto here- "always be prepared!" Check out: Mini Survival Kits

Oct 15, Martial Arts

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 22:25:19 GMT

Throughout the world we find various forms of local systematic fighting techniques. Training methods may involve forms-sets of routine techniques performed in a sequence and sparring with partners. Some may also include wrestling and limb and joint manipulation.

Oct 12, Pressure Point Self Defense

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:51:38 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Pressure point self defense begins with being familiar with all of the pressure points. Not all are available at all times. Depending on the attacker’s attire and proximity a woman's choice may be limited. A woman may find herself in a situation where she’ll need to strike a pressure point to escape; she’ll need to act quickly and decisively. She will only have enough time to strike once or twice, so she’ll need to make each blow count.
Read more at Pressure Points.

Sep 29, Stalking

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:49:13 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Stalking is a very serious situation and should not be taken lightly. Take this guy from a fairly quiet mid-west town. The 27 year old stalker actually texted the mother of two young girls (5 and 9 years old) asking her to take naked pictures of them and send them to him. He actually texted: "Put them to sleep so I can do my thing LOL". LOL??!

He texted the mother so much that he filled up the memory of her phone. It’s not clear how he got her number in the first place, but she did the right thing and took the phones to the police and this sicko has been arrested.

If you want read this hard to believe story click here. This was not his first offense. Three years ago another family got a protection order against him for stalking their 17 year old daughter. He was following her everywhere and texting and calling her repeatedly until she had to get a different phone number. He violated that protection order twice. While he was in jail for that he asked someone not in jail to get facebook pictures of the 17 year old so he could look at her while he was in jail.

This creep apparently has no idea what he has done wrong. He is a psychopath with no conscience or concept of right or wrong. This is a very dangerous man. I wouldn’t want to imagine what he would do if he actually did kidnap a young girl- or anyone else.

For more information about stalking Stalking.

Sep 28, Car Security

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:53:45 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Car Security

Cars can be dangerous places. Besides accidents which injury and kill many people on a regular basis ( please wear your safety belt always), other hazards are car jacking and road rage.

Remember in a potential kidnapping- never get in a stranger’s car! For more information regarding car security and women’s self defense please check out car security.

Sep 27, Battered Woman’s Syndrome

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:12:25 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Battered Woman’s Syndrome

I found it interesting to read on CBSNews.com that Battered Woman’s Syndrome is gaining some acceptance. The story I’m referring to is Battered Woman's Defense Brings Mixed Results. The story reported how many women are getting some sympathy and validation using this defense.

Battered Women Syndrome has been long debated. The question being: can you claim self defense when the immediate threat has passed? If a woman can’t find a safe way out of the relationship and she knows the imminent danger her and her children face, she waits until her abuser is off guard (unarmed, incapacitated or asleep) and removes the threat (kills him). A woman does what she needs to do. She will face charges and likely go to prison, hopefully with a light or suspended sentence.
Click here to read more about Battered Woman Syndrome

Sep 26, College Dating Safety

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:20:03 GMT

By Su Ericksen College Dating Safety

Its that time of year that we start thinking of college dating safety. The students have been in class a few weeks and are perhaps meeting some interesting relationship prospects. If the relationships start as friendships and grow from there while enjoying group activities, all the better; but when someone you haven’t had a chance to get to know someone asking you for a "date" you’ll want to try to follow these guidelines.

Meet at a public place. #1) meet there- don’t have him drive you there- making you dependent on him for a way home- showing him exactly where you live- getting into a car of someone you don’t know well.#2 Don't meet at a private location the first time.

Go with another couple. The pressure is off for conversation and you will be able to solicit the other couples opinion later- if you want it.

Carry cash. It case things go wrong, you’ll have cab fare.

Tell someone who your going out with, where your going and when you’ll be back. Then check in when you return. Have a plan in place if you don’t call when you say you will.

Drink alcohol responsibly- if at all. Whether its alcohol or not always keep an eye on your drink so nothing can be slipped in it.

Say "no" if you feel like it. Whether its about a drink, dessert, going to another location and, of course intimacy, you have the right to say no politely (at first). Remember the dominating potential abusers have difficulty accepting "no" for an answer- it can be a test.

Last, but never least:

Always trust your gut!

For more information please read: College Security

Sep 25, A Winter Survival Kit is Essential if You Live or Travel in Cold Weather

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:49:42 GMT

A winter survival kit should contain these critical items to be prepared in case of stranding in the harsh elements.

Sep 20, Man Kills Another Wife

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:26:44 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Sept 19th, 2011 CBS News.com: "Murder suspect killed another wife". What’s wrong with this headline? Another wife? If you would like to read the story please click here-a new window will open.

Jeremiah Fogle shot two pastors at his church during services and when authorities checked his home they discovered he had shot his wife three times, killing her. The county sheriff said that out of Fogle’s seven wives, he managed to kill two of them. His (latest) slain wife’s sister said that the family did not know about his previous marriages or criminal past and she felt that her sister did not know either.

How does a woman get married to someone and not, at least, ask about prior relationships- particularly marriages? Ask these questions, ladies, its your right to know. If you don’t get a straight, true answer- don’t marry him. What ended these old relationships? Did she run off with another man? Was it irreconcilable differences? Did he kill her? Important information!

Then there’s the other question- how did he only get probation for after pleading guilty to manslaughter in 1987 for killing his earlier wife? In retrospect that is not looking like a good decision now.

We must be vigilant, ladies! We need to learn to recognize the warning signs and red flags of Domestic Abuse. Other indicators for early on in a relationship can found at Intuition.

Sep 19, Is Krav Maga an Effective form of Self Defense?

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 21:28:52 GMT

Krav Maga is a pure self defense discipline, it is not a sport

Sep 18, Is Aikido an Effective Form of Self Defense?

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 15:38:15 GMT

Aikido will teach you to use an attacker's own energy to work against him.

Aug 23, Aftershock Survival

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:25:09 GMT

By Su Ericksen

According to Robert Wiedemer’s new book, “Aftershock” the United States is headed toward economic calamity. He maintains that the worst is yet to come. In 2006 Mr. Wiedemer and two other economists correctly predicted the real estate boom and the Wall Street bull run ending.

He urges people to learn how to survive this economic disaster. His sound advice is economic in nature. I think it would be a good idea to be ready for any kind of disaster with a bug out bag. Whether you have to leave your home in a hurry, or survive in it, this ultimate survival bag has what you need for the basic needs of you and your family.

Aug 17, Mother Punches Predator Stalking Her 13 Year Old Daughter

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:08:48 GMT

By Su Ericksen

From CBS/AP Des Moines, IA: after a guy tried to lure a 13 year old girl into an alley, he ends up getting punched by her mother, then chased by her father and her father’s friends and detained until the police arrived.

Thanks to the quick thinking girl who ran to tell her mother, this dangerous perpetrator is off the streets- at least for a little while. If you read the story here you’ll understand how dangerous this guy really is!

When her mother confronted him he asked how old the girl was, could he marry her or whether the mother would sign her away to him. Mom went (understandably) ballistic at this point. He even told the police later that he liked young girls and was trying to get her in the alley so he could “marry her and sex her”.

I couldn’t even make this stuff up! Kudos to the parents! Thanks for helping get this creep back in jail. By the way in my opinion four years is not long enough.

To read up on youth self defense have a look at this.

Aug 15, Women's Self Defense Tips

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:36:00 GMT

By Su Ericksen

These women’s self defense tips are basic, common sense guidelines to helping you and your loved ones stay safe. Reading this page is a good place to start.

Do you know a young woman going out on her own? Perhaps you could help her avoid becoming a victim by recommending it.

Aug 12, Online Dating Safety

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:01:33 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Online dating has become very popular recently. It has also become a way for perpetrators to meet unsuspecting victims.

Now there’s another woman missing in Aruba and foul play is suspected. According to her roommate she had met him online, she had known him for more than a year-yet the roommate had never met him. They had been planning the trip for two months, but when she changed he mind the way he reacted was a red flag to her roommate.

In the story it mentions that his history of domestic violence makes him a prime suspect. He claims she drowned while they were snorkeling when he lost track of her. Her friends find it doubtful she would even go snorkeling. Apparently if they find her body in the water it would be difficult if not impossible to prove her cause of death, leading the criminal profiler to say, "You don’t want to go on vacation with somebody you do not know well enough anyplace near water".

If you would like to read the original story click here and another window will open.

I have highlighted what I consider red flags. I think she did trusted her gut feeling by trying to cancel the trip, but he was able to persuade her anyway- just my opinion. I don’t know if she knew about his history of domestic abuse, which to me would be an automatic disqualification for any romantic relationship. I’m not saying that this was in any way her fault-NO WAY! I hope and pray that she is found, but the rest of us need to learn from this incident.

To read more about online dating safety please read Online Dating Safety.

Aug 11, Date Rape Drug Detector

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:54:04 GMT

By Su Ericksen

From CBSnews.com: Israeli researchers claim to have created a tiny sensor to effectively detect two commonly used date rape drugs, GHB and ketamine. It sounds an alarm or flashes when it identifies changes in the optical properties of a drink. The gadget, which could become available in a few years, would be small enough to clip on the side of your glass and fit in your purse or pocket.

Is this the answer to the date rape drug issue? One expert says not necessarily. GHB and ketamine are only two of many drugs used and that alcohol itself is the number one date rape drug used in acquaintance rape. To read this story in a new window click here.

I’m thinking it may be a bit awkward to use. Does it stay on the side of the glass throughout the evening, reminding your date that you don’t trust him? Or do you whip it out of your purse whenever you come back from the restroom and test your drink like you’re from CSI? Either way, until then be sure to use the safe dating tips here!

Aug 10, Prophet or Pedophile?

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:48:20 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Warren Jeffs, self proclaimed prophet, leader of the Fundamentalist Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and pedophile. He has numerous wives some as young as 12 years old. He has also been accused of raping his own nephew when he was only 5 years old as well as doing inappropriate sexual “things” to his 8 year old niece. Quoting CNN.com, quoting him, “There is an even younger girl that the Lord wants me to take. She is 13. For some reason the Lord is sending me these girls that can be worked with.” Eeey-ooo! He even has a recording of a sexual assault on a 12 year old in the presence of three other “wives”.

He is believed to have about 10,000 followers. He has allegedly established “houses of hiding” with young girls he intends to marry. So, is this like a ranch where women are bred to hopefully give birth to girls so he can “marry” them and sexually abuse them at his whim? He even wrote: “If the world knew what I was doing they would hang me from the highest tree.” – or maybe just sentence him to life in prison.

Some people wish to hold the mothers responsible to handing over their young tweenage daughters to this prophet/monster. These girls have no defense. Think of the horror these little girls have to face with the blessing of their parents. As I have said before parents are responsible for the safety, well-being and emotional health of there offspring. Perhaps they are brainwashed; then they are not fit parents.

Aug 9, Pressure Point Self Defense

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:24:18 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Pressure Point Self Defense begins with becoming familiar with all effective pressure points. Not all pressure points will be available depending on the attackers size and angle of attack. To use pressure point self defense successfully a woman must act swiftly and decisively. She may only have enough time to strike once or twice, so each blow must count. Read Pressure Point Self Defense for conditioning and practice techniques.

Aug 7, Krav Maga Self Defence DVD Course

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 21:03:55 GMT

Did you know there is a great benefit to visualizing your self-defense moves and techniques? Studies have shown that creative visualization improves athletes’ performance. Likewise, in self-defense, visualizing the moves will prepare you for a real fight and increase your self-confidence. Krav Maga On-Line Course Krav Maga is the self-defense method that was developed by the Israeli army. It enables you to overcome an attacker and neutralize violence in a matter of seconds. It isn't a traditional martial art because its sole purpose is self-defense, not the practice of a tradition. The Krav Maga On-Line Course consists of video movies, mp3 files and an e-book. Each video begins with a slide describing the moves. Each video comes both in regular and slow motion, with vocal explanation in the background that explains what you should do – making it easy to learn. The e-book gives step-by-step explanations, accompanied by pictures that beautifully capture and demonstrate each and every move. The e-book, and its pictures, are a step-by-step guide to the exact moves that appear in the video movies. Mp3 files provide the vocal explanation for each. You can listen to the them while reading the e-book – or while driving in your car. Together, these three media types cover a range of of self-learning techniques that make it easy to learn and visualize the Krav Maga moves. The course is divided into six phases. In phases one and two you will learn special techniques to strike with your hands and deliver kicks – foundational skills for effective self-defense. In phase three you will learn to defend against hand strikes. In phase four you will learn to defend against releases. In phase five you will learn to defend against a stick. In phase six you will learn to defend against a knife. In phase seven you will learn to defend against kicks. All the defenses incorporate counter-attacks . This on-line course is relatively inexpensive, even more so when you consider the huge value you will get in return. Krav Maga Course This is an extremely intense course that will make you walk confidently on the street. You won't be disappointed.

Aug 4, Girl Effect- An Organization Worth Looking Into!

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:59:36 GMT

My best friend showed me this website and I found it to be an exciting concept and a cause worth supporting.

The problem is real: in developing countries all around the world young girls are not getting a decent education, are being forced to marry young and start having children as teenagers. From there their futures can be helpless and bleak. There are 600 million adolescent girls in the developing world, yet less than 2 cents of every international dollar is directed to girls.

The solution is doable: keep these girls in school, teaching them to help support themselves and their families as well as their communities. The Girl Effect web-site provides a list of organizations that focus on this issue and a list of ways that each of us can help these girls and the resources needed to help.

I recommend you check it out! The Girl Effect

Aug 2, Slut Walk to Protest the Shaming and Blaming of Sexual Assault Victims

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:31:57 GMT

The "Slut Walks" began in Toronto to protest after a police officer told a group of college students that women should avoid dressing like "sluts" to avoid being raped. He did later apologize and was disciplined, but remains on duty.

The fact that it came out of the mouth of a police officer emphasizes an attitude toward victims of rape and sexual assault. If a woman is dressed in a provocative manner is it her fault that she was attacked? NO!

Men are not uncontrollable inhuman animals. Women are not inhuman objects on this earth for the sexual pleasure of men.

Rapists are not looking for the way a woman dresses. They are looking for easy targets. If a women would like to reduce her chances of being assaulted she should practice target hardening.

These Slut Walks started in Toronto and have spread world wide. Many U.S. cities staged or are planning on staging such walks. New Delhi, India also recently had a Slut Walk- a little toned down from those in the U.S., but well needed considering India is one of the five worst places to be a woman!

To learn more please see Slut Walk Toronto.

Aug 1, 71 yr old Woman Uses an Improvised Weapon For Self Defense

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:57:51 GMT

Early on a Saturday morning a 71 year old woman opened her door to a homeless man who claimed he had no where to go and didn’t want trouble with the police.

Once in her home he proceeded to attack her, holding her down and attempting to rape her, but she wasn’t an easy target after all. This lady fought him off! She was injured and there was some damage to her processions. I imagine her reaching around her trying to use whatever she could to use as an improvised self defense weapon.

Low and behold she found a classic! She beaned him in the noggin with a frying pan and knocked him unconscious. When the police arrived they found him down and out for the count. He had to make his first court appearance via video camera from his hospital room. Go here to read the whole story.

We don’t know her name or even if she was somebody’s grandma. She make a mistake by letting him in the door, but her self defense instincts served her well and now another bad guy is behind bars.

Well Done!

Jul 21, Campus Security,Top Five Tips For College Safety

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:02:52 GMT

As college students head to school, we are well aware of various safety issues we need to watch out for and hopefully prevent. Most of these students have lived comfortably in their parents’ home all their life and may not be used to looking after themselves. Now they will be responsible for their school work, laundry, diet, some finances and yes, even their own safety. Let’s not let safety be the last thing on their minds.

#1 Know your campus security resources and how to access them.

Every college has some form of security system. Read the procedures and follow their suggestions. Know the phone number of the escort system, if one is in place. Find out what areas are more heavily monitored. They may also have a registry for your more valuable items for easy identification.

#2 Locks- Use them.

Always lock you dorm room. Make it a habit to lock it when you’re gone and when you’re there. Make sure it is locked when you go to bed- don’t leave it unlocked for your room mate! If you live in the first or second floor lock the windows also. If you have a vehicle on campus make sure you lock it also- and do not leave valuables in site to entice those who would break in.

#3 Keep friends informed.

Let someone you trust know where you are going, who you are going with and when you expect to be home; then let them know when you return. Carry a cell phone.

#4 Travel safely, using common sense.

Always walk on well lit, most traveled paths. Do not take short cuts. Do not wear head phones when walking. You won’t be able to hear anyone coming up behind you and the ear buds are an advertisement that you are virtually deaf. Always keep your eyes scanning around you, making eye contact and looking confident.

#5 Use the buddy system

Travel or exercise with a friend or friends, especially if it is in the early morning or late night. Alternate your route so as not to be predictable.

Common sense is your number one safety technique. Try to avoid situations that compromise your security. Trust your gut feeling, if something gives you a bad feeling there is probably a reason and you need to remove yourself immediately.

For more information of campus security please visit: College Security.

Jul 18, Self Defense for Children is a Parent’s Responsibility

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 21:28:38 GMT

I just read two very disturbing stories on a major news website. In both instances the children were killed by hungry dangerous pets. So, we learn that children’s self defense is not just about “stranger danger”, but also about pets, other kids and sometimes significant others- I will rant about that subject another time.

The first concerned a large python that had been the mother’s pet for 7 years. It had a history of escaping its confinement and had not been fed for a month. It found its way into the two year old girl’s crib, wrapped itself around her head, strangled her and attempted to eat her.

The defense attorney in this case tried to plead stupidity. Well, ya! That does not make them less guilty of third degree murder, manslaughter and child neglect. The mother and her live-in boyfriend face up to 35 years in prison.

The next story involved a 5 year old physically disabled boy and a pet dog believed to be part wolf. While the child slept he was killed and partially eaten by the dog.

The defense will focus on whether the dog was part wolf and the fact that scientific data cannot conclusively predict these animals behavior. I don’t care if the dog is a pit bull or mini wiener dog! Domestic animals usually don’t attack-much less eat- sleeping disabled kids without some sort of red flag behavior.

More stupidity? Oh, ya! Was this dog not fed? Was the child not watched? Again the mother and her live-in boyfriend will face charges.

In these two cases the mothers were mainly responsible for the safety of the children. Neither of these kids could defend themselves against the pets that killed them. As women, we are responsible for our children’s self defense- this is normal and natural- in most cases. Perhaps if that instinct does not exist, adoption should be considered.

Jul 6, Kudos to Attempted Rape Victim

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:06:15 GMT

A young couple studying tribal life in a remote section of Papua New Guinea had stopped by a river to relax. He sat on the beach and she took a swim in the river.

They were unaware they had been stalked by a rapist whom had been previously imprisoned. The predator then shot the boyfriend in the chest twice with arrows. The attacker then threw rocks at the man’s head.

The attacker then attempted to sexually assault the young women, who fought back and bit his hand and escaped. She ran to a near by village and activated a personal locator beacon. In the meantime the assailant ripped the arrows out of the man’s body and ran.

Fortunately they were able to get to an air strip and eventually a hospital where they were both treated. The authorities know the identity of the attacker and figure they will not have much trouble arresting him. You may read the full story here CBS news story.

They were traveling together- a safety plus, but who expected arrows to come flying out of the bushes disabling the boyfriend. This woman fought back! In doing this she saved herself from being raped (and/or worse) and was able to get help to come for them and get her companion to the airstrip and possibly saved his life too!

Was she trained to react that way? Was she going on pure instinct and adrenaline? We don’t know these details, but my hat is off to her!

YOU GO GIRL!

Jul 5, OnStar Helps Find Killer

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 18:32:53 GMT

There are not a lot of murders in the city that I live in, but over the weekend a 75 year old single nurse was killed in her apartment. The perpetrator had just gotten released from prison. Her family did not think that she knew the perp, but it was a mystery how he had gotten past her two dogs.

No other details of the crime were disclosed, except for the fact that the criminal was caught- YES!

He had stolen her car and it was equipped with OnStar. The authorities used OnStar to locate the vehicle two states away and used spikes on the road to stop it. He is back behind bars, where he belongs.

I briefly cover OnStar and its functions in the Car Jacking page. In the future it is speculated that another feature will be added to OnStar allowing authorities to slowly stop the vehicle and also speak to the driver.

It did not help this lady last weekend, but her murderer was caught. Imagine how that might work in a kidnapping or car jacking.

Jul 4, Worst Places to be a Woman

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:48:58 GMT

Recently CBS news.com published an article called “The Worst Places in the World to be a Woman”. It was a fascinating piece listing the countries that are the most dangerous for the fairer gender.

No surprises were found here, but some insight provided. There are many places in the world that are unsafe for women simple because they are not men. That’s not to say that these places are necessarily safe for males.

As publisher of this web-site I live in the United States. There is crime here and many women have been victims of rape, kidnapping, assault and murder. But here this is illegal.

Ideally these perpetrators will go to jail and even-eventually be put to death, or spend the rest of their lives in prison.

This article was based on a survey produced by the TrustLaw website, a product of the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Afghanistan was on the list due to its overall violence and lack of rights for women. One in 11 women have a chance of dying in childbirth, 87% are illiterate and 80% of girl face forces marriages.

Congo is on the list because of the level of sexual violence during war. 400,000 women are raped annually there.

Pakistan made the list for their “honor killings”. Families defend their honor by attacking women with acid to disfigure them, stone them to death. A thousand women a year are killed annually in this manner.

India has an incredibly high rate of human trafficking and prostitution involving women and girls. Feticide and infanticide with females is extremely high. Fifty million females have gone missing in the last century because of these practices.

Somalia is the last on this list. There are no hospitals or healthcare. If a woman becomes pregnant she has a 50-50 chance to live through it. There are rape cases daily and female genital mutilation done to every girl in Somalia.

If you live in a country that does value females as equals you need to be especially thankful. It is also our duty to do what we can to help our less fortunate sisters in any way we can.

Jun 10, Benefits of Home Security

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:27:05 GMT

As technology has improved, more and more people have become familiar with the basic benefits of home security systems. A large number of homes now have alarms installed and are therefore more protected against crime. The importance of such systems cannot be overstated; whether you live alone, just have expensive possessions, or live with family and pets about whom you care, it is important to protect whatever is in your home. Because of this, the more you understand about home security systems, the safer you and your home may be. However, many people don’t realize just how much full security systems have to offer.

Most people know about basic home alarms, which sound loudly when somebody enters or exits the house and the system is armed, and which also alert the proper authorities of a potential break-in. But did you know that motion detectors are also becoming more and more common in home security systems? In fact, motion sensors have become so advanced that they can now even be programmed to be pet sensitive, meaning that you can set them to trigger the alarm if a person walks through a room, but your pets should not set it off. Along similar lines, some systems even offer photo sensors or heat sensors, which act very similarly to motion detectors, and basically trigger the alarm if they sense that a person is in a protected area.

Some systems also offer new, advanced options that people don’t typically think about when considering home security. Some of these options are designed to protect your children; for example, you can program a system to alert you on your cell phone whenever your alarm is armed or disarmed, meaning that if you leave your children home alone, you will be able to tell if they disarm the system to leave the house for any reason. The same option is available for windows. Another way that some newer home security systems make use of cell phones is simply in using the cellular network to contact the police when an alarm goes off. Typically, systems contact the authorities via the landline; but now you can back up your system with cellular service so that the authorities will still be reached in the event that the landline is down, or has been cut by an intruder.

Ultimately, home security is becoming more advanced and more thorough, to the point that it offers you an almost completely customizable way of protecting your house exactly as you see fit. The features listed above are only a few of the many ways in which home security systems can keep you and your loved ones safe.

Jun 10, Benefits of Home Security Improve with the Advancement of Technology.

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:10:45 GMT

With technological advancements the benefits of home security systems provide flexibility as well as piece of mind.

Apr 5, 62 Year Old Woman Abducted at Gun Point.

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:27:46 GMT

From: CNN.com: A 62 year old Texas woman missing for 2 weeks after her home and vehicle were burned was found kidnapped. Fortunately, witnesses had reported seeing a suspicious car and with that to go on the authorities found her 100 miles away in the home of the man who had abducted her at gun point. She was found bound, restrained and tortured, but amazingly, alive. Don’t assume it won’t happen to you. The perpetrators are out there, searching for the next victim! Review these self defense techniques to help stay safe!

Apr 4, Woman killed by husband and his family

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:15:00 GMT

From CNN.com: A 25 year old Ohio mother of three had recently filed for divorce from her husband, whom she claimed in court documents had threatened to kill her if she took his children away. She steps outside from her job and is swiftly kidnapped by her estranged husband and his parents. A week later her mother-in-law told the police where they would find her, in a septic tank behind a church. Horribly tragic! It is not her fault; she did nothing wrong but trust/love the wrong man. Ladies, PLEASE know the red flags to watch for and read about domestic violence

Feb 23, Can Jujitsu be an effective form of self defense for women?

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:03:21 GMT

Jujitsu is a martial art that uses an attackers own strength against him.